The Stars Branch Out

If you want to sell something, find a celebrity connection-even if it means going out on a limb.

That`s the strategy behind American Forests, a Washington, D.C.-based environmental group, which is selling seedlings grown from shoots of trees associated with famous events and places.

Among those available are a water oak from Helen Keller`s home in Alabama, a persimmon from the home of George Washington Carver, a silver maple from Thomas Jefferson`s Monticello and a sycamore grown from seeds that were carried to the moon by Apollo astronauts.

Others have a more tenuous hold on stardom. For example, a seedling that is derived from a Texas oak famed as a spot for hanging rustlers would seem to be a stretch for even the most ardent tree groupie.

There are no descendants from Chicago area trees, although no one at American Forests seemed to know if any attempt was made to contact Mr. T.

The seedlings, grown in a nursery in Florida, cost $40.25. For details, write to Famous & Historic Trees, Box 7040, Jacksonville, Fla. 32238, or call 800-677-0727.